Louisville, KY vs Santa Rosa, CA: 74 vs 172

$1,069/mo ↓ 49%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 95%

$64,731/yr ↓ 34%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 50%

$221,500 ↓ 68%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 209%

$1,118/mo ↓ 48%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 91%

627,210

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,015/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $12,180/year.

Median household income is $32,679/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Louisville or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Louisville and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $1,015/month.

Which city has higher income, Louisville or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $32,679/year higher in Santa Rosa.

How do taxes compare between Kentucky and California?

Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Louisville or Santa Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

Louisville

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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